2021 NRL Round 16 Preview, Roosters Vs Storm
Josh Mercer previews the round 16 clash between the Sydney Roosters and the Melbourne Storm. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Date: Thursday, July 1, Time: 7:50pm
Roosters Team
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Josh Morris
4. Joseph Manu
5. Matt Ikuvalu
6. Lachlan Lam
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Sam Verrills
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Angus Crichton
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Isaac Liu
14. Adam Keighran
15. Egan Butcher
16. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
17. Fletcher Baker
18. Drew Hutchison
19. Ben Thomas
20. Freddy Lussick
21. Joseph Suaalii
Team Changes
IN: Drew Hutchison, Freddy Lussick, Sam Walker, Sitili Tupouniua.
OUT: Billy Smith.
Storm Team
1. Nicho Hynes
2. George Jennings
3. Reimis Smith
4. Justin Olam
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Cameron Munster
7. Jahrome Hughes
8. Jesse Bromwich
9. Brandon Smith
10. Christian Welch
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Tom Eisenhuth
13. Dale Finucane
14. Aaron Booth
15. Tui Kamikamica
16. Chris Lewis
17. Aaron Pene
18. Cooper Johns
19. Jordan Grant
20. Dean Ieremia
21. Trent Loiero
22. Marion Seve
23. Tepai Moeroa
Team Changes
IN: Aaron Booth, Cooper Johns, Jesse Bromwich, Jordan Grant, Kenneath Bromwich, Marion Seve, Tepai Moeroa, Trent Loiero
OUT: Harry Grant, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Tom Eisenhuth.
Referee: Adam Gee
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Roosters
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Roosters were looking to give the Panthers their third loss in a row in round 15; while the start looked promising, it wasn’t to be. The Roosters scored two tries to Fletcher Baker and Adam Keighran to lead 12-0 early and then the Panthers kicked into gear. Everything seemed to stick for the Panthers even though it was a wet night: they scored 38 unanswered points through the magic of Nathan Cleary.
Storm
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Storm made the Tigers look very ordinary in their lopsided win in round 15. Like Penrith did against the Roosters, everything went the Storm’s way. The Storm had scored 60 points before the Tigers were able to cross for the first try in the 56th minute. Reimis Smith and Jahrome Hughes both scored doubles for the Storm in their massive win.
PREVIEW
The Storm’s casualty list at the moment includes Ryan Papenhuyzen, Harry Grant, and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, but the side that they are currently fielding each week is still amazing. Jahrome Hughes, Brendon Smith, and Nicho Hynes have been playing some great football, and it is hard seeing anyone but the Panthers beating them.
After narrowly beating the Titans, the Roosters were brought back to earth with a thud, losing to Penrith. The start of the match gave Roosters fans a bit of hope, but it went downhill. Depending on what happens between now and kick-off Sam Walker should be the halfback, with Lachlan Lam moving back to five-eighth and Joey Manu going back to the centres. Manu has performed well at five-eighth at times this season but the Roosters’ best chance of beating the Storm is having Walker there at half.
KEY STAT
In the last two games the Roosters have played against the Storm, the Storm have only conceded one try.
PREDICTION
Storm by 20.
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